The monthly trip to the Staggs in Musselburgh always concludes with Glasgow Curry. This evening, Hector was accompanied by Mags, Martin and Guest of Honour – Lord Clive of Crawley. This is Lord Clive’s first appearance in Curry-Heute for over a year, it is wonderful to have him back with us.
The Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was the chosen venue. We arrived @21.15, the Downstairs was empty, more would join us. Given the number of cars parked outside, Something Special had reached its conclusion Upstairs.
The Bakers in Musselburgh had no hot food this afternoon, Mags was hungry. Lamb Chops were mooted, Hector took no persuasion. Qaiser, our waiter this evening, advised that Four Chops were in a Portion (£7.90). Three Portions, Martin would restrain himself.
Martin and Clive were happy to order Hector’s reason for being here:
Lamb Karahi (£5.90), on-the-bone, extra Methi and Seasoning.
Mags would stick to here Favourite Curry served anywhere – Aloo Gosht (£6.00).
Four Chapattis (£0.70) completed the Order. A Jug of Tap Water was the only Liquid required.
How often does one have a Starter which costs more than the Main?
Ayaz, Mein Host, was behind the counter, with Rashid nowhere to be seen, it was The New Chef who would create our Banquet. It is worth mentioning that he too had greeted us on entry, it is good to be recognised.
The Modest Salad and two Dips were set before us by the New Waiter. Perhaps he too is involved in delivering the Takeaways with Qaiser. With Ayaz an Excellent Chef also, Flexibility is the name of the game at Karahi Palace.
Four hot plates preceded the arrival of the Modest Salad. Sometimes the Salad is ignored, not this evening. The Chilli Dip was an instant hit, Mags and Clive were in raptures. The sauce is bloody marvellous – exclaimed Clive. Hector would wait for The Chops before getting stuck in to the Chilli Dip and Raita. The Chops took quite a while, eventually a plateful of Piled High Chops was placed centre table.
The Charcoal-coloured bones looked very appealing, these Chops had been well fired. The Interior was still Light, they had been cooked, I would have given them another few minutes – Charred Meat – being my preference. Still, the Chops, Chilli Dip and Raita worked well.
Three Diners gorged on Meat and Bones, Martin focused his gaze elsewhere. This could have been a visual spectacle had we all taken part, not a moment to be on the outside looking in.
The fingers were being licked when the Mains started arriving. Normally a break would have been preferred, keeping the Feast going turned out to fit the mood. Finally, Martin had something to eat.
The Chapattis arrived halved and in stages, enough initially to get us going. Karahi Palace Chapattis are amongst the very best served in Glasgow, anywhere. Large, Thicker than the norm, and way better than Rotis which tend to crisp.
*
This was Clive’s first Glasgow Curry since December 2015. Those who know, will appreciate the significance of this return. He wasn’t saying much whilst he ate, not even a Dr. Stan – Mmmm -, this was a Special Moment, we all knew it. Martin was quick to comment on the Spice level:
This is hot!
Karahi Gosht at Karahi Palace comes Hot both in terms of Spice and Temperature, frequently too hot to touch initially. I remarked to Clive:
It’s amazing how one’s mouth can tolerate food at temperatures one’s fingers cannot.
On first appearances, tonight there was a lot of bone. The Masala had to be tackled first. I have often described my preferred Masala as – Thick-Dry-Minimal. Tonight Chef had re-defined this. This was probably the Thickest Masala-mash ever served to Hector. Tomato-rich, this Masala was Lighter in colour, more Yoghurt would be a likely explanation. I would still have welcomed – more Methi and more Seasoning – still, this was Superb. Then there was the Meat!
Each of the Large Chunks had an abundance of Tender Lamb. Martin ate delicately, Clive and Hector ate fittingly. The time it took us to eat the Portion was testament to the overall quantity. One Sucky Bone was unearthed in Hector’s Karahi, – Bone Marrow – makes all the difference.
I enjoyed that. Better than last time. – was Martin’s verdict. Clive was still eating.
I love it. What can one say? Faultless, I cannot fault it.
The Quality of Curry served in Crawley may impress, Clive knows it’s worth a visit to the former Curry Capital.
Meanwhile, served in a white bowl to differentiate – Curry – from – Karahi -, Mags’ Aloo Gosht was served on-the-bone as all Lamb Specials are at Karahi Palace. Normally, the Masala in this dish tends towards – Shorva -, not tonight. Again, Chef had served up the Thickest of Masalas.
Still the place to come – was Mags’ concluding statement, before she declared the amount to be taken away.
The Bill
£50.70. £23.70 for Lamb Chops, we must be mad.
The Aftermath
The Four withdrew, appreciation to all expressed, The Laurieston would be our refuge until Taxi-Marg would take Hector and Clive home. Marg had been eating that Other Style of Asian Cuisine this evening. Someone has to.
That was our Friday nite last week, except someone had Chicken! (Laurieston included)